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Did Hunter know? Did it matter?What else have they kept from me?
“Grace, talk to me.”
I gulped down a steadying breath. “I don’t know, Mom. Everything I thought was stable in my life is falling apart. Do I still call you Mom?”
“Of course, you do.”
My phone rang with an alarm, and I reached inside my purse and shut it off.
“I… I don’t know what to make of this. I need time to think. I’m sorry I can’t stay any longer, but I have an appointment I can’t miss. I want to talk more about this. I’d like to speak with Candice as well.”
“Of course.” My mother stood up and took me into her arms for a heartfelt hug. “I’ll let her know.”
“I love you, Mom.”
Her breath eased out of her lungs, and I tightened my hold around her. How could I not love her? She’d raised me, supported me, and given me a life many would dream of.I had a loving family and a wonderful upbringing. She’d sacrificed her life for me, and kept me away from a monster. God knew where I’d be if I’d stayed a Hartley. She’d always be my mother, regardless of DNA.
“I love you too, Grace.” She kissed the top of my head. “Come back to chat soon. I’m sure Candice would love to see you.”
“I will.”
I didn’t know how to sort out my life. It was changing with every beat of my heart. I hopped in the car and drove to the nearest park where I sat at on a hill away from the swings.
I lay back for no longer than three minutes when the sound of approaching footsteps brought me up to my elbows.
“I thought you’d fallen asleep.”
I squinted at my brother’s voice and sat up, wiping my hands over my jeans as Scar walked up. He reached out for my hand and pulled me to my feet.
“Are you following me?” I asked.
“Yes. Mom called after you left, and she was concerned.”
We sat on a nearby bench. A family of ducks wobbled by, the ducklings following their mother to the shore.
“Are you all right? I know Mom told you about Candice Watson.”
“I’ll be fine as long as we still claim you’re the older twin.” I bumped my shoulder into his.
“Technically—”
“Come on, Scar, you’ve got to give me something.”
“Fine. I’m older. By a few minutes.” He wrapped his arm around me. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but it doesn’t change the fact you’re my twin sister.”
“Really?”
“Fuck, yeah. Are you kidding? I’ll never forget the time you tried to punch me and stuck your finger up my nose instead. I bled like a motherfucker, and we didn’t want to upset Mom, so we made up a story about a heat wave striking my head.”
I laughed, remembering the moment.
“We share more than a genetic connection can give. We share experiences that will last for life.”
“Thank you. I needed that.” I leaned my head on his shoulder. “How are my nephews doing? How’s Jules?”
I wasn’t the only one with Hartley troubles. It seemed like that family had something for our family because Chad’s brother, Brad, had nearly killed my sister-in-law. But he was dead now, sharing his space in hell with his father.
“The boys are at the clingy stage, and Jules is delighted to be back at work.”
